December 15, 2008:PANAJI, India (UCAN)
A federal minister has declared that "the best film of India" is one a Salesian priest made about displaced tribal people.
From left: Film director Father Joseph Pulinthanath, actress Meena Debbarma and film producer Father Kizhakkechenndu J. Joseph during the International Film Festival of India Nov. 22—Dec. 2 in Goa.
Anand Sharma, India's minister for information and external affairs, showered such praise on Father Joseph Pulinthanath's film on Nov. 22 at the opening of the International Film Festival of India in Panaji, 1,910 kilometers southwest of New Delhi.
While delivering his speech, Sharma paused and invited the Salesian to come onstage to speak more about the movie, and Father Pulinthanath did so. He explained that Yarwng (roots), his 95-minute film, is based on the life of displaced tribal people in northeast India's Tripura state where he works.
When the minister resumed speaking, he hailed the film's social commitment and asked the priest for more information on the life of tribal people so as to help him discuss the matter with federal and state governments.
Sharma hailed Yarwng as "best film of India" in the festival's Indian Panorama section. Made in the tribal Kokborok language with English subtitles, it was screened on the second day of the festival, which closed on Dec. 2.
Father Pulinthanath told UCA News on Nov. 25 that the movie's ultimate goal was to secure adequate compensation for displaced families. "This thought was at the back of our mind while making this film," he said.
An estimated 60,000 tribal people in 12,000 families were displaced in 1976 when a hydropower project was completed across the Gomati River in Tripura. It submerged 46.34 square kilometers, most of the arable land in the valley of the otherwise hilly state. The government compensated only 2,560 families.
Father Pulinthanath explained that his film takes a sympathetic look at the uprooted people. The displacement that occurred more than 30 years ago moved him, he said, because the issue remains so widespread and universal.
The priest added that when the movie was released on Sept. 4 in Tripura, two state ministers praised it as an attempt by the Catholic Church to promote indigenous culture and language.
According to Salesian Father Kizhakkechenndu J. Joseph, the film's producer, the movie indirectly promotes the Kokborok language. Hindu fanatics have been accusing the Church of destroying local culture, but the movie is a solid case of promoting it, he told UCA News.
The film was shot in less than a month but two more months were needed to finish production. Father Joseph also noted that about half the total cost -- 2.7 million rupees (US$54,000) -- was from international Catholic entities, and the rest was raised locally. "People lent us money," he said. "They wanted the movie to see its day. It took four years to collect sufficient funds."
Besides money, physical risks were also a concern, he continued, because the 60-member crew filmed on location, four hours into the jungle. "We have been faithful to the lifestyle of the people and managed with the bare minimum."
Meena Debbarma, the lead performer in the film, told UCA News it was amazing how tribal people identified themselves with the plot. "They could see their untold story truthfully told," she said. "There were tears in people's eyes as they watched the movie, and many could identify with situations in it."
Ashok Naik, a festival delegate, told UCA News such a film strengthens the language, empowering the people and giving them cause for "legitimate pride."
Yarwng won the "Special Jury Mention Award" at the Seventh Asian Film Festival 2008 in Mumbai.
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http://www.ucanews.com/2008/12/15/minister-prasises-salesian-priests-film-concerning-tribal-displacement/
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